Systems and methods for providing off-line backup of a programmable device's configuration data to users of programmable devices at a service location

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing support services to users of programmable devices are provided. One of many possible methods for providing support services for a plurality of programmable devices associated with a plurality of users involves the steps of: receiving user-specific data associated with one of the programmable devices and the corresponding user; storing the user-specific data associated with the programmable device and the corresponding user; receiving notification that a replacement programmable device for the programmable device is needed by the user; and configuring the replacement programmable device based on the user-specific data associated with the programmable device and the corresponding user. The method may further involve the steps of: providing the replacement programmable device to the user; receiving the programmable device; repairing the programmable device; providing the repaired programmable device to the user; receiving the replacement programmable device from the user; and receiving payment for providing the support services to the user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention is generally related to systems and methods for providing technical support to users of personal computers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Presently, there are numerous types of programmable devices, such as, personal computers (PCs), laptop PCs, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and wireless telephones to name a few, that provide applications to users and which are configured to communicate with a communications network. These programmable devices may be configured with any of a variety of user applications. For instance, laptops and personal computers are typically configured to provide word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, presentation applications, e-mail client applications, web browser applications, financial applications, enterprise applications, and other desirable applications. PDAs are typically configured with calendar applications, task and contact management applications, financial applications, and others....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Briefly described, in architecture, one of many possible embodiments is a programmable device that provides a user application and is configured to communicate with a network. The programmable device may comprise a processing device configured to control the operation of the programmable device, a user interface configured to enable a user to interact with the user application, a network interface device configured to enable the programmable device to communicate with the network, and memory comprising the user application and logic configured to provide user-specific data associated with the user application to the network. The user-specific data may comprise information capable of being used to configure a replacement programmable device for the user.

[0007]The present invention may also be viewed as providing one or more methods for providing support services for a plurality of programmable devic

Problems solved by technology

When a programmable device is lost, stolen, or becomes inoperable, a user is not able to use the programmable device until it is recovered and / or repaired.

Even if the programmable device is not essential for performing job functions, users may still experience varying levels of inconvenience or frustration when the programmable device is no longer available for use.

Obviously, such a loss is undesirable and problematic.

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